Since its launch in late 2023, the Postgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Education (PGP in ECE)—jointly developed by the University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+ and Indus Training and Research Institute (ITARI), Bangalore—has marked an inspiring journey in transforming early years education. Now midway through its second cohort, the programme is proving to be not only impactful but also a scalable model for international educational collaboration.

A Vision Rooted in Pedagogical Excellence

The PGP in ECE is built upon Finland’s world-renowned, research-based pedagogy and tailored to India’s dynamic early years education landscape. Designed by experts from the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Educational Sciences, the hybrid programme combines six online modules with three intensive in-person training sessions. These are co-facilitated by faculty from both HY+ and ITARI, offering a rich blend of global expertise and local relevance.

The nine-month programme supports both pre-service and in-service teacher-learners, empowering them to become reflective, ethically grounded, and change-oriented professionals. It aligns with international quality standards while responding to India’s evolving early childhood education policy priorities.

A Transformative Journey for Educators

As the programme continues with its second cohort, feedback from both the collaborative team and participants speaks volumes about its relevance and impact.

Sonali Malhotra, Programme Lead and Faculty at ITARI, reflects:

“The cooperative programme between HY+ and ITARI ECE has been a transformative and globally relevant journey in early childhood education. The programme equips early years educators and leaders with research-based knowledge, ethical frameworks, and practical strategies to build inclusive, inquiry-led, and value-based learning environments… It continues to grow, committed to sustainable, scalable impact—locally and globally.”

Participant Voices: Real Impact on the Ground

Educators from diverse regions and professional backgrounds have testified to the programme’s capacity to reframe mindsets and practice:

“After 17 years of teaching and professional development, I can confidently say that the PGP in ECE at ITARI truly stands out. It has taught me to reflect, refine, and continuously improve my teaching practices.”
— Nibha Rani Borah, PYP Educator, New Delhi

“As a director of an early years centre, the PGP in ECE equipped me with innovative play-based practices that I have integrated into my school.”
— Neha Bora, Director & Co-founder, Kaizen Early Years, Pune

“This programme has transformed how I see and understand children and childhood… and the impact they can make.”
— Reaia Phira, Director & Educator, Shillong

“The mentorship and action research components were invaluable.”
— Sabah Yusuf Darvesh, EYP Educator, Pune

“The PGP in ECE challenges one’s thinking and inspires one to become a reflective practitioner.”
— Charisma Melwani, Language Development Educator, New Delhi

“The PGP in ECE has been a game-changer for me. It deepened my understanding of the STEAM approach and the value of play in early childhood learning.”
— Helen Furtado, EYP Coordinator & Educator, Pune

 

Watch the Alumni Testimonial by Aaina Jha >>

 

Looking Ahead

With the first cohort successfully graduated and the second preparing to complete the programme in September, the PGP in ECE is more than just a diploma—it is a catalyst for educational transformation. The partnership between HY+ and ITARI exemplifies how meaningful cross-cultural collaboration can elevate early childhood education and contribute to a more informed, inclusive, and globally connected educational landscape.

For organisations exploring professional training and capacity-building solutions in education, the PGP in ECE stands as a compelling example of how pedagogical integrity, cultural synergy, and long-term vision can create sustainable impact.

Read more about the ITARI ECE Postgraduate Programme here >>

 

For more information, please contact:

Mirka Gustafsson

International Sales Manager (Education)

+358 50 4018355

mirka.gustafsson@hyplus.fi